28-year-old doctoral student from India Priya Saxenareceived two degrees from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology — a doctorate in chemical and biological engineering and a master’s degree in chemical engineering. Since last month, Saxena has been on the deportation list of the homeland security department though she did not take part in any campus protests.Saxena came to the news as she sued the department and its head Kristi Noem.In 2021, Sazena was convicted for failing to move over for flashing yellow lights. Citing this incident, the DHS said her student visa should be revoked though her visa is not scheduled to expire until 2027. Saxena’s graduation ceremony in which she was conferred with the title ‘Dr’ was called the ultimate revenge because Kristo Noem, too, received an honorary degree from Dakota itself, but there were no cheers for her, unlike Dr Saxena. Instead, she faced protests when she accepted the degree on stage in South Dakota.
Priya Saxena vs Kristi Noem
Saxena and her attorney Jim Leach sued Kristi Noem and won a temporary restraining order until Saxena’s graduation. Her attorney argued in court that she did not commit a deportable offence. They also said that Priya declared the misdemeanor charge before applying for her next visa. Her next hearing is tomorrow. Kristi Noem was conferred with an honorary doctorate in public service by Dakota State University which is Noem’ alma mater. Noem studied political science at this university. A vote was held to decide whether Noem should be given an honorary doctorate. The student senate and the general faculty voted against it claiming that it would be a highly politicized action that would antagonize international students as Noem’s DHS has been cracking down on international students. But the university spokesperson said the decision was taken in favor as Noem is still the Governor of South Dakota and she has supported the university all along.
